Great Barrier Reef Strategic Assessment

The Queensland Government is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

The Queensland Government demonstrated this commitment through its strategic assessment of the GBR coastal zone in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

The GBR coastal zone strategic assessment describes and assesses the way in which Queensland's planning, development and coastal management processes identify and protect Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and the GBR's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

It takes a broad, landscape-scale assessment of the state's legislation, policies, plans and programs (the Program) with the aim of ensuring that planning and development within the coastal zone occurs in a sustainable manner.

Background

The GBR coastal zone strategic assessment was undertaken according to the Terms of Reference which were finalised following public consultation conducted in early 2012.

Consistent with the Terms of Reference, draft coastal zone strategic assessment reports were independently reviewed in September-October 2013 and were subject to public consultation in late 2013 and early 2014.

The GBR coastal zone strategic assessment is part of a comprehensive strategic assessment which includes a strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) undertaken by the Australian Government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The comprehensive strategic assessment responds to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's request of July 2011 that the Australian Government undertakes a comprehensive strategic assessment of the GBR and develops a long-term plan for sustainable development that will protect the region's OUV.

Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan

The Queensland Government is implementing the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (Reef 2050), the most comprehensive plan ever developed to secure the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come.

Delivered in partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments, Reef 2050 sets an overarching vision 'to ensure the GBR continues to improve on its OUV every decade between now and 2050 to be a natural wonder for each successive generation to come'.

Reef 2050 draws together for the first time all the expertise and science critical to managing the Reef for the next three decades and beyond. The plan is also informed by the outcomes of the comprehensive strategic assessment.